ABSTRACT
Since the 1990s, human rights have been a fundamental problem perplexing Sino-American relations. The divergence of the two sides’ views over this issue has obstructed the normal process of bilateral relations, as well as increasing the complexity of a whole range of other areas. Trade, arms exports, matters involving Taiwan, and attempts to repair the bilateral relationship by means of high-level political consultations, and so on, have all suffered from this disagreement over human rights. The intensity of disputes over issues of human rights has grown to the point where the whole nature of the Sino-American relationship involves suspicion and instability.
